Nuggets gearing up for tough battle against Heat in NBA finals

2023 NBA Finals Preview: Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets | CBS Sports

The Miami Heat have made history as the second eighth seed to reach the NBA Finals, but Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone is urging his players to disregard the seeding and focus on the challenge ahead.

After sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals on May 22, the Nuggets have been preparing for their clash against the Heat. Malone believes facing the Heat will be the toughest test the Nuggets have ever encountered.

“This is going to be the biggest challenge of our lives. This is the NBA Finals,” he said after practice. “You’re trying to win the first NBA championship in franchise history, and it’s going to be the hardest thing that we’ve ever done — which is the way it should be.”

Their attention has turned to devising a strategy to contain Jimmy Butler. The six-time NBA All-Star has been a standout performer for the Heat, averaging 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 48.3 percent from the field.

Nuggets’ defensive strategy

The Miami Heat’s journey to the NBA Finals marks the first time an eighth seed has achieved this feat since the New York Knicks in 1999. However, the Nuggets refuse to underestimate their opponent.

After facing formidable opponents throughout their playoff journey, they now must devise a strategy to limit the impact of Butler.

Aaron Gordon has excelled in defending top scorers throughout the postseason. However, he is aware that guarding Butler will be tough. Gordon described Butler as a multifaceted player who excels in various aspects of the game, including transition play, cutting, offensive rebounds and smart positioning.

Alongside Gordon, players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown may also be assigned to defend Butler.

“I don’t really set targets for like [how many] points [to hold him to]. I just want to make it as difficult as I possibly can for him all night long for 48, through an entire series,” said Gordon.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat is set to take place on Thursday, June 1.